"Take away the milk, the eggs, the butter, and what do you have left? A great tasting cake that became popular after the stock market crash of 1929."

Born in 1928, my grandmother was 1 years old when the stock market crashed. I'd only heard bits and pieces from her of what it was like to grow up in that time. I did know that as a result of being a child of the depression (as I'd heard her refer to herself), she'd learned to be thrifty and make do with what she had both in and out of the kitchen. Growing up I remember how she never wasted ingredients in the kitchen.

When I'm in need of inspiration, I frequently walk the farmers markets. It's a very sensual experience. I smell the different herbs, the flowers, and even the kettle corn. I feel the rough edges of a prickly cucumber, the smooth flesh of an heirloom tomato, and the fuzzy skin of a ripe peach. And of course the colors of freshly plucked fruits and veggies are vibrant with life.

This month I finally bit the bullet and signed up for a CSA-style organic fruit and veggie delivery. When I shared my excitement on twitter, I received a warning: You will receive leeks. Lots and lots of leeks.

For this month's virtual lunch date, the #LetsLunch crew brings you a slew of posts dedicated to chili. When I heard this month's challenge for let's lunch was on chili I was thrilled. I've been watching a whole lot of Top Chef, Texas and thinking about the various types of chili I could make (and eat... definitely eat). This would be the perfect opportunity to experiment.